March 2010 Opening Planned

Planning application has now been submitted to Carlisle City Council for a new £10m state of the art Dobbies Garden World at Orton Grange, in Dalston, Carlisle.
 
Stuart Wright, Director of Property, comments: “Based on extremely positive feedback at a public consultation with over 100 local people at Victory Hall in Dalston in mid March, Dobbies Garden Centres recently submitted a full planning application to Carlisle City Council.  We are very hopeful for a positive outcome from the current planning application so that we can be open to the public for March 2010.”
 
Bought with the full backing of the existing nursery and small garden centre, Westwood garden nursery has signed a deal to supply the group with shrubs and bedding plants.
 
A new generate of garden centre, the planning application proposes the following unique ‘green’ features: 

• Both high tech and hands on, an innovative visitor centre called The Greenhouse would provide a source of information, advice and inspiration. 
• The building would include the use of natural materials, like sustainable timber cladding, green plant-clad walls and green sedum roofing, so that the building sits comfortably within the surrounding landscape.
• Developed with an ecologist to ensure the local habitat was protected, landscaping would set the centre within beautiful grounds, including ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants to give seasonal colour.  The garden centre would also have attractive themed demonstration gardens to inspire and entertain customers.
• Built with sustainability in mind, a minimum of 10% of the garden centres energy will come from renewable sources, including a ‘grey water’ recycling system, wind turbines and wet solar panels. 

Dobbies is known for their innovative approach in combining destination based retailing with leisure and a lifestyle experience.
 
The new Garden World would offer an extensive indoor and outdoor plant and gardening area, a Farm Foodhall boasting some of the finest locally sourced fresh produce available in the North West of England and beyond, a specialist Aquatics department, large restaurant with conservatory and a children’s play area.
 
The horticultural theme is planned to continue through an indoor gift range including books, cards and stationery, toys, candles and home fragrances, home accessories and perfumed body products and more.
 
As previously advised, as part of the planning application Dobbies propose that access to the new garden centre will be via a new roundabout on the A595 at Orton Grange, tying in with the completion of Carlisle’s western bypass
 
Wright continues: “The new development would be an enjoyable leisure experience and day out destination for people in the Carlisle area.  Dobbies also hope to attract visits from organised coach tours, adding further to local tourism.  In addition, with the potential to bring around 120 full and part time jobs to the area, the garden centre would contribute towards the economic growth of the town.”
 
…ends…
 
For further information please contact:
Rachel Walker, Public Relations Manager at Dobbies Garden Centres, on 0131 561 6070 or rachelwalker@dobbies.com